Device for storing tablet computer and support the same in at least two erected/standing positions

ABSTRACT

A case for a tablet computer is disclosed. The case is configurable to several positions. At each position, the tablet computer may be supported in a variety of angles. In a low stand position, the case provides support and optimal viewing angles for activities such as typing on the tablet computer. In a high loft position, the tablet computer is raised to eye level for ergonomic comfort and ease of use for activities such as viewing videos on the tablet. Mechanisms contained in the case allow the case to be configurable and also provide stability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/702,958, filed on Sep. 19, 2012, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is generally related to a case for use with atablet computer. More specifically, the invention relates to a case fora tablet computer that can support the tablet in at least two standingpositions.

2. Background

Tablet computers are increasingly popular in the marketplace. Cases foruse with tablet computers are known in the art. The cases generallyfunction to protect the tablet from damage. Some cases have featuresthat allow the case to be used as a stand for the tablet computer. Suchfeatures provide an added functionality to the case. For example, afolding folio case may rely on the folding feature of the case, such asthe scored folds, to provide a simple easel configuration for an openand angled position.

These prior art cases, however, only offer a limited variety ofconfigurations. Some cases might be configurable into a height and anglethat is suitable for typing. Other cases might be able to support thetablet computer into a position that is suitable for viewing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention improves the prior art by providing a protective casethat is able to support a tablet computer in multiple positions.

One aspect of the invention provides a case for a tablet computer. Thecase includes a first cover portion, a second cover portion, and anattachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a base and aholder that secures onto the tablet computer. The attachment assembly isadjustable to position the tablet computer at multiple angles betweenhorizontal and vertical.

Additionally, the invention provides for a support leg. The support legmay be engaged to lift the attachment assembly to a higher position. Thehigher position allows the tablet computer to be closer to eye level.

In one embodiment, the attachment assembly includes a kickstand that canengage the base and the holder. The kickstand provides additionalsupport to the holder, which is beneficial when pressure is exerted onthe tablet computer, such as during typing.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, the accompanyingdrawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior of a case in an openposition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of a case in an openposition;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a case in a low standconfiguration;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an attachment part when a tabletholder is in an angled position;

FIG. 5 is the same view of a case as in FIG. 4 with the cover of thebase taken off to show the positioning mechanism in the attachment part;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a case showing different positionsof the holder while the case is in a low stand configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a case in a high loftconfiguration; and

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a case in a high loftconfiguration.

Like references numbers are used to designate like parts in theaccompanying figures. The figures illustrate embodiments of variousaspects of the inventions claimed. These embodiments are in no wayintended to be limiting, and are intended only as an example forfacilitating an understanding of the principles of the claimedinventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT(S)

Embodiments of the invention provide a case for a tablet computer. Casesaccording to embodiments of the invention provide advantages over priorart tablet computer cases. The case of the present invention isconfigurable to several positions. For example, the case is configurableto a low stand position whereby the case provides support and optimalviewing angles for activities such as typing on the tablet computer.Additionally, the case is configurable to a high loft position whichallows the tablet computer to be raised to eye level for ergonomiccomfort and ease of use for activities such as viewing videos on thetablet. Additional adjustability in each position is also possible.While a preferred embodiment of the case is for use with a tabletcomputer, other embodiments may be used with other types of electronicdevices such as electronic book readers, smart phones, and the like.

Turning to FIG. 1, a case 10 for a tablet computer 1 is shown. Case 10is shown in a standard open book position, pivoted open from a closedposition in which the tablet computer is covered and protected. Case 10generally includes a cover portion 11 and an attachment assembly 15.

Cover portion 11 has two covers 12, 14 joined together. Covers 12, 14may be integrally formed with a spine panel 13 connecting covers 12, 14.Covers 12, 14 may also be separate pieces joined together, such as by ahinge. Covers 12, 14 open and close like a folio. When cover 14 is movedto the closed position, the inner surface of cover 14 faces the screenside of tablet computer 1, thereby protecting the tablet computerbetween the two covers. The inner surface of cover 14 may be made of asoft material, such as suede, felt, foam, etc. in order to preventscratching the screen of tablet computer 1. The outer surface of cover14 may be made of any sturdy material, such as vinyl.

Other features may be added to cover 14 for added functionality. Forexample, cover 14 may include a strap to secure case 10 when in a closedposition. An elastic material may be suitable for the strap. Magnets mayalso be secured on or into cover 14 to activate the tablet computer'ssleep/wake function if available.

Attachment assembly 15 includes a holder 16 and a base 18. Holder 16 andbase 18 may be hingedly connected to one another. Base 18 of attachmentassembly 15 is mounted or secured onto the inner surface of cover 12.

Holder 16 is a generally tray shaped piece with raised sides that securetablet computer 1. Holder 16 may be made of any rigid material such asaluminum or a thermoplastic polymer material like polypropylene orpolycarbonate. Holder 16 is designed to snap-fit onto the back of thetablet computer. Holder 16 may include cutouts to accommodate and notinterfere with the use of accessories on tablet computer 1 like camera,speaker, or microphone. The inner surface of tray 16 may be covered witha soft material like a microsuede pad to protect and cradle tabletcomputer 1. Other ways of securing the tablet in place, such as straps,bands, hook and loop fasteners, or any other way may be used also.

FIG. 2 shows the outside of case 10 when in an open position. Coverportion 11 is generally rectangular and includes covers 12, 14 and spinepanel 13. Cover 12 may have a cutout portion to accommodate support leg22. Support leg 22 is a generally rectangular piece that is joined tobase 18 by a hinge at an end thereof, but exposed on the outer surfaceof cover 12. The support leg 22 could also be connected to the cover 12instead of to the base 18 through the cover 12. In use, support leg 22is inserted into slot 24 to configure case 10 in a high loft position asdescribed below. When not in use, support leg 22 may be held in place bya fastener such as a detent, magnet, or Velcro. Hole 26, penetratingthrough cover 12, holder 16, and base 18, may optionally be present toallow for the use of a camera on tablet computer 1.

Turning to FIG. 3, case 10 may be configured into a low stand position.The low stand position, which may also be referred to as a desktop mode,allows the tablet computer to be supported and angled for a variety ofactivities like typing, viewing, or other general use. Cover portion 11may be pivoted almost fully from a closed position so that the outersurfaces of covers 12, 14 face one another. In the low stand position,holder 16 may be adjusted to several angled positions. Support stand 32is mounted between holder 16 and base 18. Support stand 32 has an upperend pivotally mounted to holder 16 and a lower end pivotally and/orslidably mounted to base 18. In the illustrated embodiment, one end ofsupport stand 32 slides along a recess in base 18 and pivots also whilethe other end is pivotedly connected to holder 16 (but not slidably) toorient holder 16 at an angle between vertical and horizontal relative tothe horizontal support surface on which case 10 is positioned such thattablet computer 1 is held up at different viewing angles. The angle maybe held by any suitable mechanism for releasably fixing the supportstand 32, such as latches, detents, or frictional/interference fit. Theparts or connections may also be reversed, or other mechanisms forsupport may be used. The low stand position is lower than the high loftposition, discussed below.

Base 18 may include an auxiliary support in the low stand position,which in this embodiment is a pivoting leg that may be referred to as akick stand 34. Kick stand 34 pivots up from base 18 to engage the backof holder 16. Kick stand 34 may be integrally formed with base 18 or maybe a separate piece connected to base 18. Kick stand 34 pivots to besubstantially perpendicular to base 18. Kick stand 34 provides addedstability to holder 16 when engaged. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, only one side of support stand 32 is supported by a latchingmechanism, as will be described below. As such, kick stand 34 isemployed to engage holder 16 on the side corresponding to theunsupported side of support stand 32. The added stability provided bykick stand 34 minimizes the bouncing of holder 16 when pressure isapplied to the holder, such as during typing on tablet computer 1. Kickstand 16 also provides additional support to prevent the collapsing ofholder 16 when excessive pressure is applied. While kick stand 34 isformed or connected to base 18 in the illustrated embodiment, kick stand34 may alternatively be formed on or connected to holder 16. Clearly nokicking is involved and the term loosely refers to how a bicyclekickstand moves between a stored position out of the way and an extendedposition for providing support.

FIG. 4 shows an angling and support mechanism according to oneembodiment in greater detail. Hinge 44 connects the upper portion ofsupport stand 32 to holder 16. Hinge 46 connects the bottom of supportstand 32 to sliding engagement 48. Sliding engagement 48 slides alongbase 18 to angle holder 16. Sliding engagement 48 moves freely in adirection that angles holder 16 towards a vertical direction. Releasetab 42 is movable against a spring bias (by pulling to the right) toallow sliding engagement 48 to be released and move in a direction so asto return holder 16 towards a horizontal position. FIG. 6 shows a sideperspective view of case 10 in several possible angled positions whilein a low stand configuration.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cover of base 18 has been removed to show theangling and support mechanism according to one embodiment. Release tab42 has teeth 54 along one side to engage sliding engagement 48.Resilient members 52 position release tab 42 in a locking position withsliding engagement 48. One side of sliding engagement 48 moves freelyalong groove 58. The other side of sliding engagement 48 engages releasetab 42 so that holder 16 stays at a constant angle. Sliding engagement48 freely moves to angle holder 16 vertically. Release tab 42 is pulledagainst resilient member 52 to release sliding engagement 48 from teeth54, so that sliding engagement 48 can slide holder 16 to a horizontalposition.

In other embodiments, the mechanism which allows for several differentpositions and viewing angles for holder 16 can be a latching mechanismso that the user only has to adjust the angle by grabbing the frame oftablet when angling the unit upwards towards the user. To close, theuser simply pulls the frame upwards, beyond the final latching positionto release the latch and allow holder 16 to lay horizontal again.Another embodiment may include the use a resistance slide mechanism witha push to release feature, which would not need to be engaged to lowerthe unit to its flat position.

In FIG. 7, case 10 is configured in a high loft position, which may alsobe referred to as a theater mode. The high loft position allows tabletcomputer 1 to be positioned at a higher level/viewing height as comparedto the low stand position described earlier.

In the high loft position, base 18 and cover 12 are pivoted upwardly soas to be at an angle between vertical and horizontal as shown. Cover 14is positioned on the support surface with the outer surface facingupwardly. Support leg 22 engages slot 24 to support case 10 in the highloft position. Support leg 22 is movably, e.g., pivotally mounted to thebase 18 and holder 16. The parts and connections may also be reversed,or other mechanisms for support may be used, including a structure thesame as or similar to support stand 32.

Support stand 32 may be positioned so that holder 16 can be placed atdifferent angles in the same manner as described for the low standposition. In one preferred embodiment holder 16 is placed in a nearvertical position. In an embodiment, when the case is in a high loftposition, the bottom of holder 16 is approximately 5 inches above asurface when case 10 is placed on the surface. FIG. 8 is a front view ofcase 10 in a high loft position. In this view, fastener 82 is visible.Fastener 82 holds support leg 22 in place when not in use. Fastener 22may be, for example, a magnet or Velcro.

Thus, the combined use of support leg 22 maintaining angular separationbetween covers 12 and 14 and support stand 32 maintaining angularseparation between the holder 16 and the cover 12 achieves this highloft position. The angular separations are opposite handed and are aboutpivotal connections at opposing ends of cover 12, thus contributing tothis configuration.

The foregoing illustrated embodiments have been provided solely forillustrating the structural and functional principles of the presentinvention and are not intended to be limiting. Thus, the presentinvention is intended to encompass all modifications, substitutions,alterations, and equivalents.

What is claimed is: 1) A case for a tablet computer comprising: a firstcover portion, a second cover portion, the cover portions being hingedlyconnected for movement between open and closed positions, an attachmentassembly comprising a holder and a support stand, wherein the supportstand is mounted between the holder and an inner surface of the firstcover portion, and is adjustable to position the holder at multipleangles relative to the first cover portion between horizontal andvertical, and a support leg that is extendable to support the firstcover portion at an angle relative to a support surface. 2) The case ofclaim 1, wherein the attachment assembly further comprises an auxiliarysupport stand that provides added stability to the holder when theauxiliary support stand is engaged with the holder. 3) The case of claim1, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a spring activated latchingsystem for positioning the holder. 4) The case of claim 3, wherein thesupport stand slides freely in a direction that positions the holdertowards a vertical orientation. 5) The case of claim 4, wherein theattachment assembly comprises a tab connected to a spring in thelatching system. 6) The case of claim 5, wherein the tab is pulled torelease the support stand so that the support stand can be slid in adirection that positions the holder towards a horizontal orientationrelative to the first cover portion. 7) The case of claim 1, furthercomprising an elastic strap. 8) The case of claim 1, wherein theattachment assembly comprises a base. 9) The case of claim 8, whereinthe base comprises a spring activated latching system for positioningthe holder. 10) The case of claim 1, wherein the angle of the holderrelative to the first cover portion is opposite handed compared to theangle of the first cover portion relative to the support surface. 11) Acase for a tablet computer comprising: a cover, an attachment assemblycomprising a holder and a support stand, and a support leg that isextendable to support the attachment assembly at an angle relative to asupport surface, wherein the attachment assembly is adjustable toposition the holder at multiple angles relative to the cover. 12) Thecase of claim 11, wherein the attachment assembly further comprises anauxiliary support stand that provides added stability to the holder whenthe auxiliary support stand is engaged with the holder. 13) The case ofclaim 11, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a spring activatedlatching system for positioning the holder. 14) The case of claim 13,wherein the support stand is movable freely in a direction thatpositions the holder towards a vertical orientation. 15) The case ofclaim 14, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a tab connected to aspring in the latching system. 16) The case of claim 15, wherein the tabis pulled to release the support stand so that the support stand can bemoved in a direction that positions the holder towards a horizontalorientation relative to the cover. 17) The case of claim 11, furthercomprising an elastic strap. 18) The case of claim 11, wherein theattachment assembly comprises a base. 19) The case of claim 18, whereinthe base comprises a spring activated latching system for positioningthe holder. 20) The case of claim 11, wherein the angle of the holderrelative to the cover is opposite handed compared to the angle of theattachment assembly relative to the support surface.